Dear Parishioners,
It is, I think, rather by God instance than by coincidence that todays Gospel reading, is most appropriate for all those young people from Mile End Limehouse and Poplar who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at Poplar on Friday evening. They were filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and, like the 72 in the Gospel today, commissioned to take the good news of Jesus Christ to others. There will be a joint celebration for Communion and Confirmation on Sunday 11th September when Certificates etc. will be presented. Pray for them as they pray for us and hopefully by their example renew and inspire in us that same mission of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. You will see elsewhere the results of their pre-confirmation charity activity last weekend—not only selling cakes but baking them as well!
This coming Tuesday marks my 41st Anniversary of Diaconal Ordination so please keep me in your prayers, also my friend Fr. Colin (whose Priestly Ordination was my first Diocesan function as a Deacon) who celebrates his 41st Anniversary on Thursday at Camden Town.
As you will know, last Tuesday interviews were held for the position of Parish Administrator for Poplar and Limehouse, the quality of the candidates was very good and the decision was made to appoint two— one for four days and the other for one day a week. At the moment we are awaiting our Diocesan H.R. to gather references and arrange DBS clearance before they can start. Congratulations to them both.
Every Prayer and Blessing,
Fr. Keith.
PARISH REPOSITORIES: Are well stocked with Cards and Gifts for First Holy Communion and Confirmation—See Mary or Marie.
CATECHETICS
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME POPLAR Practise for those children due to receive Holy Communion next weekend will be at 6.00pm on Friday and likewise for the following weekend. Please keep them all in your prayers.
FIRST COMMUNION 2023: Application forms for 2023 are available in the porch (not from the school) for those children who will be in Year 3 or above in September 2022. They need to be returned by July 31st
CONFIRMATION 2023: Application forms for Confirmation 2023 are now available for collection from Fr. Keith and need to be returned by July 31st . Applicants need to be starting in year 9 or above in September 2022.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD at Poplar’s 10.00am Mass. See Giulia if you would like to help, she is preparing a rota so that no one has to do too much! This Service is so important for our children and makes a huge impact on their understanding of the Mass. Thank you to all our volunteers.
BAPTISMS—Parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Course organised by the parish. Cost £10. Collect an application form from the porch and return it to Clergy House. Next Course to be announced.
WEDDINGS—The Church requires that at least six month’s notice of any intended wedding be given so that full preparation can be made.
MASS IN WORD AND SIGN
Takes place on the second Sunday of each month (except August) at 4.30pm at Poplar, Next Mass next Sunday July 10th.
FIRE WARDENS NEEDED
To comply with Health and Safety requirements both parishes need to have a rota of at least two Parishioners as Fire Wardens for each Mass. Fr. Keith, will endeavor to do some “in house” training for any volunteers!
CONGRATULATIONS
To all those from Guardian Angels, Our Lady Immaculate and St. Frederick and St. Mary and St. Joseph Poplar who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Friday evening. Thank you to their parents, godparents and sponsors and so many others for supporting them on their faith journey. Congratulations also to those who served the Mass—Bishop Nicholas was most impressed.
KIDNEY DONER REQUIRED
An appeal from Hitchin Parish for a 15 year old parishioner who needs a kidney transplant, There is a notice on the board for further information.
LAST SUNDAY’S OFFERTORY COLLECTION
| Envelopes | Loose | Total | |
| POPLAR | £244-18 | £335-82 | £579-90 |
| LIMEHOUSE | £59-50 | £151-86 | £211-36 |
Standing Orders January to March POPLAR £2828-74 LIMEHOUSE £4513-00 Many thanks for your continued generosity.
NEIGHBOURS IN POPLAR
| PARISH COMMUNITY MEETING On Saturday 2nd after 6.00pm Mass. Bring ideas of activities/outings we can organise as a Parish, especially bearing in mind that many people will not be going away! We have a Caribbean evening booked for the August Bank Holiday weekend! Could we do another Fast Day for World Peace & Justice?? CONFIRMANDI We congratulate our young people who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Friday evening. Bishop Nicholas Hudson congratulated them on raising funds for the Ben Kinsella Trust, (Cake Sale last weekend which raised £151-00) and the Jesuit Hurtado Refugee Centre in Wapping (Cake Sale after the Confirmation Mass). Thank you for all your support. DESPERATELY NEEDED! Drivers and Walkers to help us get our meals out to vulnerable people, living alone—in Poplar and all over Tower Hamlets. Last week the Deliveroo Angels had to break into a man’s flat – he was collapsed alone on the floor! They sent for the Ambulance and he is now recovering in Hospital. We need drivers every Wednesday and Sunday between 11:45am – 12:30pm. For more details rig 0207 987 0257 or email nip65@msn.com. Neighbours in Poplar volunteers will welcome you with open arms! FOOD BANK The Saint Matthias Food Bank is open every Thursday 11.00am – 1:00pm Proof of address required. Donations are always needed. We miss the Co-Op which was very supportive in this respect. Anyone with a connection to Morrisons, please let us know. OUR LADY AND SAINT JOSEPH’S PRIMARYSCHOOL FAYRE takes place on Saturday 16th July from 12.00pm to 5.00pm. All Welcome – Come and support our Parish School. |
PRAYERS PLEASE:
FOR: Those of our parish who are sick: at home or in Hospital especially for Harry Locke; Our newly ordained Priests; All Refugees; Peace in the Ukraine and in all troubled parts of our world; Our Deanery: Limehouse Parish; Our Young People: those receiving First Holy Communion; The Unemployed; Those who have died recently: Linford Lesley, Fr. David Wilson and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time.
WESTMINSTER YEAR BOOK
Giving details of Parishes, Clergy, Schools etc. in our Diocese are on sale in the Repository, price £4.50/£5.00 (ringbound)
GUITAR LESSONS
Alessandro who is one of our choir musicians is offering to teach guitar during the week. If interested please speak to him after Mass.
ART CLASS FOR OVER 60’s
This popular group welcomes new members (aged 60+) on Tuesdays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Guild Room. Beginners welcome. (Entrance in Canton Street).
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSE
The Universe Catholic Weekly is thrilled to announce that we have launched our new online newspaper with the full support of our first subscriber none other than His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols. Order your Digital copy by going to http://www.universecatholicweekly.co.uk or call us on 0743661 7650 [tel:07436617650] and ask for Michelle. Special offer: Only £20 for 3 months.
CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE
The Bishops Conference of England and Wales website has numerous articles on Covid19 and many other subjects. Go to ww.cbcew..org.uk for the latest Catholic News.
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